Canada Cup - Day 3 Report - by Judy Joseph

USA takes Number one Seed leading up to Athens at Canada Cup –
Great Britain wins bronze medal

The United States won a close 33-32 final to win the Canada Cup, an International Pre-Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Tournament involving National Teams from five countries.  The game was a close affair with the US leading throughout in front of a capacity crowd at Bonsor Recreation Centre in Burnaby, BC.

The US had leads of 17-14 at half time and 24-22 after three-quarters.  The game was tied at 30 with two minutes to play but the US kept possession to take the win and the number one seed leading into Athens.

"Getting that top seed was our goal coming into the tournament," said USA Head Coach, Kevin Orr.  "But the Canadians came out to play today.  It was a fantastic finish to a great tournament."

"I am so proud of these guys," commented Canadian Head Coach Joe Soares.  "They fought until the end.  We're not too concerned about the seeding.  It just means a different pool to play in Athens."

The US won a bizarre semi-final over Germany to get into the finals as the Germans slowed the game down to a snail's pace to counter the States' firepower.  The game was tied at one after one quarter but the US eventually prevailed 13-7.  The Canadians had a tough semi in the morning as they fought to get by Great Britain 30-27.

"It's not what we do here that counts," added Soares.  "It's what we do in Athens that's going to count."

In the bronze medal game, Great Britain defeated Germany 36-29.

"Our tournament didn't exactly go as planned," said Steve Palmer of Great Britain.  "We did better last week in Birmingham (where they defeated Canada).  The good thing is we didn't lose our ranking so we're definitely on track for our goal of gold for Athens."

In the battle for fifth and sixth place, Belgium defeated Canada Ice (the Canadian developmental team) 38-32.

The tournament All-Stars will be announced later this evening at the Canada Cup banquet.